Texas is going to lose Fairfield Lake State Park after 50 years of being leased to the state. The park has been leased to the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife since 1971 by a company now known as Vistra Corp.  Fairfield, Texas is around 90 miles south of Dallas. 

In 1969, the lake was created by Dallas Power and Light Company, Texas Electric Service Company, and Texas Power and Light Company. The 2,400-acre lake was built as a cooling reservoir for a power plant built on the 1,800-acre land. The power plant closed in 2018. 

In 2021, Vistra Corp. gave notice to the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife that they put the land on the market for $110 million dollars. 

Fairfield Lake State Park has seen millions of visitors explore its trails by hiking and horseback riding. Last year, the park had 82,000 visitors. When it was put up for sale, the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife did not have the money to purchase it. Now their financial situation is changed, but it’s too late. 

A Dallas-based company, Todd Interests, has already purchased the park and does not plan to use it for public use. The company said they are planning to build a private residential area and will give the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife 120 days to clear out. 

A Hill Country Republican state representative has filed legislation for the state to acquire the land through eminent domain, which basically means the government can acquire land provided there is compensation involved. However, that would have to pass in the house.